WWGH Leads Region with Five 5-Star Ratings of Excellence from Healthgrades

Apr 1, 2014 General

Only hospital in the region to be nationally recognized for better-than-expected patient outcomes in five categories

Healthgrades, the nation's leading independent source on hospital quality outcomes, has recognized Walla Walla General Hospital with five 5-star ratings for excellence, more than any other hospital in the region. The 5-star ratings were awarded for exceeding national averages for patient outcomes in WWGH’s treatment of heart attack, sepsis, pneumonia--both in-hospital survival rates and its rates of patient survival within 30 days of leaving the hospital--and gynecological surgery.

"A hospital is only as good as the outcomes it achieves for patients, and one of the key measuring tools we have is a five-star Heathgrades rating," said Monty Knittel, president and CEO at Walla Walla General Hospital. "This level of recognition does not happen by accident. Instead, it comes from the hard work and dedication of our employees and physicians and I’m proud of the excellent care we provide the Walla Walla community every day."

According to Healthgrades, only about 15 percent of medical facilities in the country receive a 5-star (excellent) rating, while 70 percent receive a three-star (as expected) rating, and the remaining 15 percent receive a one-star (poor rating). Five stars reflect hospital performance that is statistically better than national averages in treating a condition or conducting a procedure.